During my pre-op class they said you "will" have a catheter.

I am not real keen on having a catheter. Apparently they put it in after you are under in the O.R. I am really have trouble with the whole thought. I don't want one at all but I have no option.

Anyone here had one? I am expected to be sitting in a chair within 2 hours of surgery and doing laps 4 hours after surgery. Is walking with a catheter difficult or does it hurt?

I am having the sleeve, not that it matters for this question.

Thanks in advance for your experiences.

I had a catheter the night of my surgery when I had to go to the ER b/c I couldn't go to the bathroom. I too was scared b/c I had never had one before. I though the pain was very mild and walking around with one isn't bad as you will probably be hooked up to an iv too so just another tube coming out of you. I would have rather had a catheter than what I had to go through that night b/c I couldn't go.

I wouldn't want one either. Maybe you have to have it because of getting the sleeve. You run an increased risk of infection. I'm glad I didn't need one for the band!

heyyyy I dont know about you guys, but.... a catheter is by far much easier to deal with than the mess you get without one. *wink* you wont even know its there. you wont feel it go in as you will be out and when it comes out it almost feels like a pee. i have had 2 of them, and i think my brain was the enemey (spell check) as it wasnt soooo bad. i was more inbarresed for the nurse that had to take it out! 5 seconds and its out with no pain. smile. no drama. (both times) shine on hey. :-)

I had one during surgery only it was put in after I ws under and removed right after I woke up. I felt like I had to pee when I woke the did something and removed it like somene else said felt like peeing not really pain. Don't know if it's a different feeling for us guys but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.